Volunteers Opportunities

What Are Volunteer Benefits?

Volunteers at the Garden are entitled to a variety of benefits beyond the esteem of association with a premier botanical garden with a global reputation and working side by side with eminent plant experts and other plant aficionados.

In-House Newsletter
The UC BEE is published monthly with news and announcements from all corners of the Garden. It is distributed to all volunteers, and all volunteers are encouraged to contribute to it.

Social Events
Join the volunteer party and celebration each December. Lunch and refreshments are provided by the Garden staff. It's a very festive occasion, made even more enjoyable by all of the Garden's wonderful cooks. In addition, the docents, propagators, and Garden Shop volunteers have their own get-togethers from time to time, and some special activities for volunteers-only are offered.

Education
Occasionally, staff members, volunteers or visiting scholars share various presentations with us. Volunteer education programs are organized by the Continuing Education Committee and are announced in the UC BEE. All are invited to attend.

Reduced Rate for UCBG Membership
You'll be eligible for UC Affiliate Membership rates for Individual or Family level memberships.

These are excerpts from the UC Botanical Garden Volunteer Handbook. Additional details available when you sign up as a volunteer.

		What Do Volunteers Do? - What Are Volunteer Benefits?
		If you'd like to: Learn about plants from around the world Work with people who are passionate about plants, ecology and conservation Support the mission of one of the University's most fabulous museums
		What Do Volunteers Do? Docents... lead tours for school children and adults, create and staff educational events, design and present programs in school classrooms. Propagators... propagate and grow plants sold at the Garden Shop and three annual plant sales. Garden Shop... buy, stock and sell gift items and books in the shop. Chat with visitors and share information about the Garden and plants. Horticulture... assist Horticultural staff with Garden maintenance, such as weeding, raking and digging. Special Events... travel with us to local community festivals to 'talk up the Garden'. Assist at Garden programs and events. Curation... make plant labels, clean seeds, help collect and prepare specimens for research and herbarium, collect data on Garden plants..
		What Are Volunteer Benefits? Volunteers at the Garden are entitled to a variety of benefits beyond the esteem of association with a premier botanical garden with a global reputation and working side by side with eminent plant experts and other plant aficionados. In-House Newsletter The UC BEE is published monthly with news and announcements from all corners of the Garden. It is distributed to all volunteers, and all volunteers are encouraged to contribute to it. Social Events Join the volunteer party and celebration each December. Lunch and refreshments are provided by the Garden staff. It's a very festive occasion, made even more enjoyable by all of the Garden's wonderful cooks. In addition, the docents, propagators, and Garden Shop volunteers have their own get-togethers from time to time, and some special activities for volunteers-only are offered. Education Occasionally, staff members, volunteers or visiting scholars share various presentations with us. Volunteer education programs are organized by the Continuing Education Committee and are announced in the UC BEE. All are invited to attend. Garden Seminars: Lectures or classes are scheduled about once a month throughout the academic year, specifically for volunteers and staff. These are planned well in advance to give all volunteers a chance to attend. First Tuesdays: Field trips to various bay-area sites and nurseries of interest are scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May. Weekend Garden Seminars: If you cant make it during the week, there are also weekend Garden Seminars that takes place on the first Sunday of most months at 1 PM. Myrtle Wolf Library: The Garden has a modest reference library, which is available for volunteers to use. It is in the PCRC across the street from the Garden entrance. Check with the Curator, the Director for Education, or the Kiosk for access. Library hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 10 AM and 12 PM to 1 PM. UC Library Privileges: UC Botanical Garden Volunteers can apply for a library card for the UC Libraries. There are some restrictions. See the Volunteer Coordinator for details. The Herbarium: The Herbarium offers many classes and seminars at the member rate for UC Botanical Garden Volunteers. Watch for class schedule announcements Thirty Hours of Volunteer Service: The Magic Number *Garden Volunteer Badge* When you've completed your training, or 30 hours of volunteer time, you'll receive an official Garden name badge. *Parking* With a permit, volunteers may park free in the parking lot across the street from the Garden. (Ask for details...) *Shop Discounts* Once you receive your badge and as long as you remain an active Garden volunteer, you are eligible for discounted Garden Shop purchases. The current discount is 20%. (Ask for details...) *Reduced Rate for UCBG Membership* You'll be eligible for UC Affiliate Membership rates for Individual or Family level memberships. *These are excerpts from the UC Botanical Garden Volunteer Handbook. Additional details available when you sign up as a volunteer.*
		Hours are flexible, but we ask that you work a minimum of three hours a week. For more information, contact Perry Hall, Volunteer coordinator at perry@berkeley.edu

Volunteer Opportunities